Graduation
Degrees are conferred at the close of each fall and spring semester and summer term. To cover the expense of the commencement exercises and diploma, a fee is charged to each person applying for a degree at The University of Alabama.
Application for degree. Each candidate for graduation is expected to file an application for degree one term prior to the term of graduation. An application form will be provided and accepted by the divisional or departmental office in the student's academic division 12 weeks prior to the expected date of graduation. A student who fails to complete all requirements by the date on the application must file a new one. The graduation fee is payable to the Office of Student Receivables at the time the application for degree is filed.
All students (except doctoral candidates) who complete degree requirements will receive diplomas following the established graduation dates for those terms. Doctoral candidates will receive their diplomas at the commencement ceremonies held in August, December, and May. Undergraduate students completing degree requirements are considered degree candidates at the time of the institution's graduation ceremony.
Graduation requirements. To be eligible for a baccalaureate degree in any SCHOOL / COLLEGE of The University of Alabama, a student must earn in residence in that SCHOOL / COLLEGE at least one-fourth of the semester hours required for the degree, including 9 of the last 18 hours. The schools and colleges may specify that advanced work in the major and minor fields be taken in residence. A student who meets the residency requirement and at the end of a semester is within 9 semester hours of completing the work required for graduation may, with the prior approval of the SCHOOL / COLLEGE of enrollment, complete those 9 hours at any institution (provided that the student is eligible to undertake such work).
In order to qualify for a degree from The University of Alabama, a student must earn a grade point average of at least "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 grading system) for all work attempted; transfer students must also earn grade point averages of at least 2.00 ("C") for work attempted at The University of Alabama. In addition, the student must earn an average of "C" or higher for all work attempted in the major; transfer students must also earn an average of "C" or higher for all work attempted in the major at The University of Alabama. Some divisions of the University may have higher grade point average requirements for graduation; the divisional requirements for graduation are found in the sections of this catalog pertaining to each school and college.
If students do not complete degree requirements (as stated in this catalog for the academic year beginning each August or September) within seven years from the date they first entered the University or began collegiate work, they must change to the current catalog, under which they have seven years. If they so desire, they may choose a later catalog up to or including the one current at the time of their graduation.
Honors Graduation Designations
The faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences recognizes high academic achievement with the following honors designations:
Summa cum laude. Students graduating with degrees designated summa cum laude shall have maintained grade point averages of 3.9 or higher for all college-level work and for all work attempted at The University of Alabama.
Magna cum laude. Students graduating with degrees designated magna cum laude shall have maintained grade point averages of 3.7 or higher, but less than 3.9, for all college-level work and for all work attempted at The University of Alabama.
Cum laude. Students graduating with degrees designated cum laude shall have maintained grade point averages of 3.5 or higher, but less than 3.7, for all college-level work and for all work attempted at The University of Alabama.
In computing the grade point average, the minimum required averages of 3.9, 3.7, and 3.5 cannot be achieved by rounding. Averages are calculated for performance in all courses in which the student is enrolled prior to receiving the degree.
Visible recognition is accorded honors graduates during commencement ceremonies. Students graduating summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude wear honors stoles in the traditional colors of the College of Arts and Sciences.
